During the summer before facing a tough re-election campaign in 2012, President Barack Obama was losing support from Latino voters who labeled him as the “deporter in chief.” However, he managed to regain their support by signing a sweeping executive order to protect hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Luis V. Gutiérrez, a former Illinois congressman, recounted the celebratory atmosphere in his Chicago district among Latinos after the executive order was signed. He mentioned that people were expressing their intent to vote for Obama due to this action. This move proved to be crucial for Obama’s political standing at that time.
Fast forward to the present day, President Biden seems to be following a similar strategy. He is set to announce an executive order expanding legal protections for undocumented spouses of American citizens, mirroring Obama’s impactful decision in 2012 for young immigrants.
The anticipated announcement by Biden has already garnered praise from Latino and immigrant rights advocates, even from some former critics who had previously criticized him. This move is seen as a response to demands from young voters of color for a more pro-immigrant stance on immigration.
However, amidst the celebrations, there is a cloud of uncertainty looming. The impact of this decision on Biden’s 2024 presidential campaign remains unclear, especially with the current political landscape dominated by his Republican opponent, Donald J. Trump.
Unlike Obama, Biden faces a different set of challenges on immigration issues. He is under pressure from his own party members and Hispanic voters who seek a balance between stringent enforcement and improved pathways to citizenship.
The president’s decision is being closely watched by both supporters and critics, with Republicans already criticizing it as “amnesty for illegal aliens.” The political dynamics surrounding immigration have evolved significantly since Obama’s time in office.
Obama’s DACA program, established through an executive action, had a profound impact on the lives of around 800,000 undocumented immigrants. However, the program is currently facing legal challenges, and new applicants are unable to enroll.
Biden’s executive order is expected to benefit approximately 500,000 individuals. His actions on immigration are seen as a continuation of his long-standing involvement in this complex issue, dating back to his time as Obama’s vice president.
The president has navigated the immigration landscape throughout his career, advocating for bipartisan solutions and comprehensive reform. His recent efforts to change the narrative on immigration have been met with mixed reactions from different political factions.
While the impact of Biden’s latest action remains to be seen, it is viewed as a critical moment that could shape the upcoming presidential campaign, especially in key battleground states with significant immigrant populations.
Immigration and border security are key issues in the 2024 presidential race, particularly for Republican and independent voters. Biden’s decision to protect undocumented spouses could potentially sway voters in swing states with mixed-status households.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Biden’s action is seen as a source of hope and joy for many immigrant families, signaling a shift in the political landscape surrounding immigration policy.
